Highlands, North Carolina: Today is the one month anniversary of my return home and I want to finally wrap up my story and write a little now to remember. First things first: I left off after our Mt Kailash kora and need to tell of our journey to Mt Everest...

I felt good as we piled back into Tenzing and hit the road again. We had spent a gorgeous day exploring Lake Manasarovar (even bathing in the hot springs) and we were finally headed to Mt. Everest! So we left in good spirits, dreaming of the highest place on Earth. As usual, the trip was packed with stunning scenery...


As we hiked into Everest Base Camp I pretended I was a mountaineer on one of the great expeditions. I have to admit my time at Base Camp brought my imagination to life and I now hope to return someday as a climber...What do you think?


Bernd helped me hang some prayer flags in view of the mountains. I like to think of them there, flapping in the wind and sending my prayers up and away.



We spent two days in an almost dream-like state, hiking as close to the mountain as we could and then warming up beside the fire in the tent of a lovely Tibetan family.


We took a horse cart back to Rongbuk and I had to look twice to make sure this one wasn't actually munching on a soccer ball.


Riding home that evening, I was sad to be leaving the mountains and my new friends. I felt as if I were being torn away too soon from a place that held something special for me. I know that I will be back some day. As for Bernd and Florian, I couldn't have asked for better traveling companions. We grew close during our time together and I miss them now like old friends. Tashi delai, Bernd and Flo! Thank you!